we might want to keep inind as we head f the fiscal cliff. according to recent pololl, only 4 in 10 americans expect the white house and congress to reach a deal before the first of the year, and ondthis does goes out,t, 5 53% of the american people are apparely prepared to blame republicans t president's job approval rating is over 50% congress' is under 20%. why y would the president back down? >> it is safe to say that the prident is n interested in a balanced agreement, he is not particularly intererted in avoiding the fiscal cliff, and he is not interested at all in cutting spending. >> the senate minority leader adds that what the president is interested in is getting as s much taayer money a as he can said that he can spend to his heart's contntent. wiwith hispproval ratings going up and congress' at historic lows, why would t president back down, charles? >> to some extent he is underestimating the dama he woduffer if we e go over the cliff. for suret will hurt republicans in congress, and that is why democrats in congressss are relis